Jeremiah 6:16

KJV

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where [is] the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk [therein].

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Stand {H5975} ye in the ways {H1870}, and see {H7200}, and ask {H7592} for the old {H5769} paths {H5410}, where is the good {H2896} way {H1870}, and walk {H3212} therein, and ye shall find {H4672} rest {H4771} for your souls {H5315}. But they said {H559}, We will not walk {H3212} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what ADONAI says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask about the ancient paths, 'Which one is the good way?' Take it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not take it.'

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah, Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walk therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 6:16 presents a profound divine appeal from the LORD to His people, Judah, urging them to pause, discern their current spiritual trajectory, and return to the ancient, established paths of covenant faithfulness. It is a gracious invitation to embrace "the good way" that promises spiritual rest and profound peace for their souls. Tragically, the verse culminates in the people's defiant rejection of this divine wisdom, illustrating their deep-seated rebellion and foreshadowing the inevitable consequences of their stubbornness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 6:16 is situated within a series of prophetic pronouncements where Jeremiah delivers God's indictment against Judah for their pervasive sin, idolatry, and social injustice. Chapters 1-6 primarily focus on the nation's apostasy and the impending judgment from the north (Babylon). This specific verse acts as a poignant interlude, a final, earnest plea from God before the full weight of judgment is described in subsequent passages. It stands as a stark contrast to the people's hardened hearts, emphasizing God's persistent desire for their repentance and restoration, even amidst severe warnings of destruction. The surrounding verses detail the corruption of Jerusalem, the false prophets, and the people's insensitivity to God's warnings, making the call to "ask for the old paths" a desperate, last-ditch effort to avert disaster.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Jeremiah ministered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of Kings Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah, from approximately 627 to 586 BC. This era was marked by the decline of Assyrian power and the rise of Babylon, which posed an existential threat to Judah. Spiritually, the nation was in deep decline, having largely abandoned the covenant obligations established at Sinai. Despite Josiah's reforms, the people's hearts remained largely unrepentant, engaging in widespread idolatry (including child sacrifice), social injustice, and a superficial religiosity that lacked true devotion to Yahweh. The "ways" and "paths" mentioned in the verse refer not to literal roads but to their moral, spiritual, and covenantal conduct, reflecting the established norms and traditions of their ancestors who walked in obedience to God's Law. The cultural context reveals a society that had become comfortable in its sin, valuing convenience and self-will over divine guidance.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 6:16 encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **apostasy and rebellion**, as Judah has clearly deviated from the "good way" of the LORD. Secondly, it underscores **divine lament and patience**, as God, through Jeremiah, expresses sorrow over His people's condition and offers a clear path to avoid impending judgment. The call to "ask for the old paths" emphasizes the theme of **covenant faithfulness**, urging a return to the foundational truths and principles laid out in the Mosaic Law, which promised blessing for obedience and curses for disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-68](/deuteronomy/28-1-68 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). The promise of "rest for your souls" introduces the theme of **spiritual peace and well-being** that results from genuine repentance and obedience, contrasting with the turmoil of sin. Finally, the people's blunt refusal, "We will not walk therein," powerfully conveys the theme of **stubbornness and hardened hearts**, a recurring motif in Jeremiah that ultimately leads to the nation's downfall and exile ([Jeremiah 7:24](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24 - Disobedience and Stubborn Hearts")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **derek (Hebrew, _derek'_):** This word, translated as "ways" and "way," signifies more than just a physical road. It encompasses a course of life, a mode of action, or a moral and spiritual conduct. In this context, it refers to the path one chooses to walk in life, whether it aligns with God's will or deviates from it. The "good way" is therefore a life lived in accordance with divine principles.
* **ʻôwlâm (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** Translated as "old" in "old paths," this term denotes something ancient, everlasting, or time out of mind. It implies not merely chronological age but an enduring quality, something established and perpetual. Thus, the "old paths" are not outdated traditions but foundational, divinely ordained ways that are eternally relevant.
* **margôwaʻ (Hebrew, _margôwaʻ'_):** This word, rendered as "rest," literally means a resting place or a place of repose. Figuratively, it conveys a deep sense of inner tranquility, peace, and security for the soul. It's the settled peace that comes from aligning one's life with God's design, contrasting sharply with the unrest and turmoil of rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and origin of the message. It is not Jeremiah's opinion but a direct oracle from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, underscoring the gravity and truthfulness of the pronouncement.
* **"Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths":** This is a threefold command to Judah. "Stand" implies a halt, a pause in their current destructive course. "See" urges careful observation and discernment of their present spiritual condition. "Ask for the old paths" is a directive to inquire about and seek out the ancient, established ways of God's covenant, the foundational truths and righteous living practiced by faithful generations.
* **"where [is] the good way, and walk therein":** This specifies the object of their search: "the good way." This is the path of obedience, justice, and faithfulness to God, which is inherently beneficial and leads to well-being. The command to "walk therein" is an imperative for active, intentional adherence to this righteous path.
* **"and ye shall find rest for your souls":** This is the divine promise and consequence of obedience. Walking in the good way leads to _margôwaʻ_ for their _nephesh_ (souls/lives)—a deep spiritual peace, security, and inner tranquility that only God can provide, contrasting with the turmoil of their current rebellious state.
* **"But they said, We will not walk [therein].":** This stark, defiant statement reveals the tragic climax of the verse. Despite the clear divine command, the promise of rest, and the imminent threat, the people of Judah, in their hardened hearts, utterly reject God's gracious invitation. This blunt refusal underscores their stubbornness and seals their fate.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 6:16 employs several powerful literary devices. **Metaphor** is central, as "ways" and "paths" are used to represent moral and spiritual conduct rather than literal roads. The "old paths" and "good way" are metaphors for the established covenant relationship and righteous living. The phrase "rest for your souls" uses **Synecdoche**, where "souls" (nephesh) represents the entire person, emphasizing a holistic, inner peace. There is a strong **Contrast** between the divine invitation and promise ("find rest for your souls") and the human rejection ("We will not walk therein"), highlighting the tragic choice made by Judah. The passage also functions as a **Divine Oracle**, marked by "Thus saith the LORD," lending it immense authority and solemnity. The structure itself presents a **Dilemma** or a **Call to Decision**, where God presents two clear options: choose the good way and find rest, or reject it and face the consequences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 6:16 serves as a powerful theological statement on the nature of divine grace, human free will, and the consequences of moral choice. God, in His steadfast love, continually offers a path of life and peace, even to a rebellious people. The "old paths" represent the unchanging truth and wisdom of God's Word, which remains relevant across generations, providing the only true foundation for spiritual well-being. The promised "rest for your souls" points to a profound spiritual reality—a peace that transcends worldly circumstances, found only in obedience and trust in God. Judah's rejection, however, underscores the tragic reality of human stubbornness and the perilous consequences of refusing divine guidance, demonstrating that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to persistent rebellion against His gracious invitations.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD")
* [Matthew 11:28-29](/matthew/11-28-29 "Matthew 11:28-29 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 6:16 resonates deeply with contemporary believers, urging us to engage in critical self-examination regarding our spiritual walk. In a world constantly pushing for novelty and fleeting trends, this verse calls us to pause and "ask for the old paths"—to return to the timeless, unchanging truths of God's Word and the foundational principles of Christian faith. Are we diligently seeking out and walking in the "good way" of obedience, justice, and love, or have we, like ancient Judah, drifted into paths of convenience, compromise, or self-reliance? The promise of "rest for your souls" remains a powerful incentive, reminding us that true peace, contentment, and spiritual security are not found in worldly pursuits or self-fulfillment, but in humble submission to God's will and His established ways. This verse serves as a sober warning against the spiritual arrogance and hardened heart that refuses divine guidance, emphasizing that while God's patience is immense, persistent rebellion ultimately leads to spiritual unrest and separation from His blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "ways" or "paths" in my life might I need to "stand" and "see" more clearly, discerning if they align with God's "good way"?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to reject or deviate from the "old paths" of biblical truth for more modern or convenient alternatives?**
* **How does the promise of "rest for your souls" motivate me to seek and walk in God's ways, especially when they seem challenging?**
* **Am I exhibiting any signs of the stubbornness or defiance seen in Judah's response, "We will not walk therein"? If so, what steps can I take towards repentance and obedience?**

### FAQ
**What are the "old paths" that Jeremiah refers to?**

Answer: The "old paths" (Hebrew: _nethiybah 'olam_) refer not to outdated traditions, but to the ancient, established, and enduring ways of God's covenant with Israel. These are the foundational truths, commandments, and principles revealed in the Mosaic Law and lived out by faithful ancestors. They represent a life of obedience, justice, righteousness, and faithfulness to Yahweh, which had proven to be the source of blessing and true well-being for the nation. It's a call to return to the unchanging divine standard rather than following contemporary deviations.

**Why is "rest for your souls" promised to those who walk in the good way?**

Answer: The promise of "rest for your souls" (Hebrew: _margôwaʻ nephesh_) signifies a deep, inner tranquility, peace, and security that comes from aligning one's life with God's will. When people walk in God's "good way," they experience spiritual contentment, freedom from the turmoil of sin and rebellion, and the assurance of God's presence and blessing. This rest contrasts sharply with the spiritual unrest, anxiety, and ultimate judgment that result from disobedience and pursuing one's own destructive paths, as Judah was doing. It's a holistic peace that permeates one's entire being.

**What does Judah's rejection, "We will not walk therein," signify for us today?**

Answer: Judah's blunt refusal, "We will not walk therein," signifies a profound act of rebellion and a hardened heart against God's gracious invitation. For us today, it serves as a solemn warning against spiritual stubbornness, pride, and the dangers of intellectual or emotional resistance to divine truth. It highlights the human tendency to prefer self-will and perceived autonomy over God's wisdom, even when God's way promises true flourishing and peace. It reminds us that while God offers grace and guidance, He also respects human choice, and persistent rejection of His path leads to inevitable negative consequences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 6:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah called the people to return to the "old paths" of the Mosaic Covenant, these paths, though good, were ultimately a shadow pointing to the perfect "Way" (Hebrew: _derek_) that is Jesus Himself. He declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The "good way" that Judah was called to walk in is perfectly embodied in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law and lived a life of complete obedience to the Father. Moreover, the "rest for your souls" that was promised in Jeremiah is fully realized in Christ. He extends the most beautiful invitation: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" ([Matthew 11:28-29](/matthew/11-28-29 "Matthew 11:28-29 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). This is not merely a cessation of labor, but a deep, spiritual repose that comes from being reconciled to God through His atoning work. The New Testament further elaborates on this rest in [Hebrews 4](/hebrews/4 "Hebrews 4 - The Promise of Rest"), speaking of a "Sabbath-rest" that remains for the people of God, entered into by faith in Christ. Thus, the ancient call to return to the good way and find rest is perfectly answered in the person and work of Jesus, who is both the path and the source of eternal peace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 30:21

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Jeremiah 18:15

Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways [from] the ancient paths, to walk in paths, [in] a way not cast up;

Deuteronomy 32:7

¶ Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.

Jeremiah 7:23

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Colossians 2:6

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him: